The refurbished building, when complete, will serve a service family community rising to 2,000 families (approximately 8,000 family members) once the relocation of the Submarine Service and shore based training to the west coast of Scotland is complete by 2020. The need for a modern community centre, was confirmed by a Community Needs Analysis study, which highlighted the dearth of facilities for families in the area. It is our belief all those who forego many rights and freedoms enjoyed by civilians in protecting the nation’s interests, to know that their families back home are well-supported and have access to facilities and activities will help ease some of the pressures that prolonged separation can create. The refurbished centre will have a soft play area, IT suite, and a number of flexible rooms for sport, recreation and entertainment catering for all manner of local community groups including West of Scotland Military Wives Choir, Geeks and Gamers Youth Club and Forces Family Fridays.
“Operating successfully both at home and at sea requires incredible teamwork – a key characteristic of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines; and whilst everybody must play their part, we are particularly conscious of the support provided by the families of our serving men and women.
As the Navy’s Charity, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity has unprecedented access to the Service and a comprehensive understanding of the needs of the entire naval family. The Charity’s complete modernisation of the Drumfork Family Centre, which has served naval families for more than half a century, is a crucial contribution to the Navy’s strategy to create an expanded naval base as Faslane prepares to become the home port for all our submarines by 2020. This project is the largest yet undertaken by the Charity and will create very significant and lasting benefit for our families.”
Admiral Tony Radakin CB, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff